Message
Re: [colorvision_group] first profile
2006-03-13 by CDTobie@aol.com
In a message dated 3/13/06 12:07:40 PM, dguida@... writes:
This last post answered a lot of questions that I also have about RIPs. And it adds more.
One good answer creates a hundred new questions...
I am satisfied with the standard Epson driver for most of my work.
Good, that keeps life simple and affordable...
What is the need for a RIP for we photo printers?
There can be advantages in several areas (or not...):
Layout and nesting: A RIP may have advanced software for laying out images, and nesting them for you, that the RGB driver does not have. But the roll is roll width. I tend to create custom page setups in the RGB driver for 8x24, 10x24, 12x24... on up to 48x24, for a 24 inch roll. Then I ask: can I print two of these images side by side on the roll? If so, I double it up (or even triple up a small image), and choose the correct length's page settings. If not, then I print it alone on the correct length page setting. Not rocket science, but it organizes life, saves paper... and doesn't require a RIP.
Channel control: RIPS can allow you to control things an RGB driver does not. I recommend using well formulated inks, good papers and canvasses, that don't require Superman to get good prints... then you won't need a RIP for this stuff, because you'll be getting good results without exotic intervention.
B&;W: channel control is great for advanced B&W printing... but I (and others) are working on making them unnecessary for that as well. Stay tuned.
Will I save ink by using a RIP?
No, with very few exceptions a given color on a print uses the same amount of ink from most any means of printing that color. You can replace more expensive color inks with cheaper black ink on press, with black generation changes, but they don't charge less of black inkjet carts, and there tends to be a "best" black generation method for a given type of inkjet anyways, one that you probably don't want to stray from, at least not without a degree in color science...
Will the canvas prints be usable without coating with a RIP?
No, though you could set it to coat your canvas prints for you, if you had an extra channel, and your coating could be run through an inkjet... those are the exotic types of things possible with a RIP... and a lot of extra time.
C. David Tobie
Product Technology Manager
ColorVision Business Unit
Datacolor Inc.
CDTobie@...
www.colorvision.com